Analog Devices Inc. DC183A

Overview

DC183A from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a demonstration board for the LTC1594 and LTC1598 - micropower, 12-bit, serial-output ADCs with integrated 4- and 8-channel analog multiplexers, respectively. It operates from a single 5V supply, draws only 320μA during conversion at 16.8ksps, and auto-shuts down to 1nA between conversions. The board supports ratiometric sensing, external reference use, and direct sensor interfacing down to 1.5V full-scale span.

For engineers reviewing the DC183A datasheet, DC183A pinout, DC183A application, or DC183A equivalent, this page provides verified hardware configuration details, supported ADC variants (LTC1594CS/LTC1598CG), interface timing constraints, isolation-ready serial I/O compatibility (SPI/MICROWIRE/QSPI), and design guidance for battery-powered remote data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The DC183A implements the LTC1594 (16-pin SO) and LTC1598 (24-pin SSOP) in a fully assembled, tested evaluation platform. It exposes all analog inputs (CH0–CH3 for LTC1594; CH0–CH7 for LTC1598), MUXOUT/ADCIN loop, COM, VREF, and full 4-wire serial interface (CSADC/CSMUX, CLK, DIN, DOUT). The board includes on-board bypassing (1μF ceramic per VCC pin), optional RC filter (1kΩ + 1μF) at ADCIN, and jumper-selectable reference source (internal 5V or external).

It enables independent control of multiplexer and ADC via separate chip selects (CSMUX/CSADC), supports break-before-make channel switching (t_OPEN = 35–160ns), and allows DIN/DOUT tie-together for 3-wire operation. All digital signals are 5V-tolerant and compatible with standard microcontroller GPIOs.

Key Specifications

Availability

DC183A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, isolated data acquisition, remote sensor monitoring, and pen-screen digitizing requiring stable component supply and rapid prototyping support.

Supply support for DC183A includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, industrial automation, and medical markets.

The DC183A belongs to ADI's Linear Technology legacy evaluation board portfolio, designed specifically to accelerate development of ultra-low-power, multi-channel data acquisition systems using integrated MUX-ADC solutions.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the DC183A evaluation board?

The DC183A evaluation board is a fully assembled hardware platform for evaluating the LTC1594 and LTC1598 12-bit micropower ADCs with integrated analog multiplexers. It provides immediate access to all pins, configurable reference options, on-board filtering, and proven layout for noise-sensitive analog measurements - enabling rapid validation of DC183A-supported signal chain designs without custom PCB spin.

Which specific ADC variants does the DC183A support out-of-the-box?

The DC183A supports the LTC1594CS (16-pin SO package, 4-channel MUX) and LTC1598CG (24-pin SSOP package, 8-channel MUX) as populated configurations. Both operate from a single 5V supply, deliver 12-bit resolution with ±3/4 LSB DNL, and feature auto-shutdown to 1nA between conversions - matching the exact specifications documented for DC183A in the official Linear Technology design files.

Can the DC183A be used with 3V logic microcontrollers?

Yes - the DC183A accepts 3V logic-level signals on CSADC, CSMUX, CLK, DIN, and DOUT when operated with its default 5V supply, because the LTC1594/LTC1598 inputs are 5V-tolerant (VIH = 2.6V min, VIL = 0.8V max at VCC = 4.75V). However, the ADC reference and analog input range remain tied to the 5V rail unless an external lower reference is applied via the VREF header.

Does the DC183A support simultaneous sampling across multiple channels?

No - the DC183A implements the LTC1594/LTC1598, which perform sequential sampling via a single successive-approximation ADC core shared across multiplexed inputs. Each channel is sampled one at a time with typical inter-channel delay governed by t_ON (260–700ns) and t_CONV (12 clock cycles). True simultaneous sampling requires dedicated per-channel ADCs not supported by DC183A.

How is isolation implemented on the DC183A for remote data acquisition?

The DC183A itself does not include built-in galvanic isolation components; however, its 4-wire serial interface (CS, CLK, DIN, DOUT) is explicitly designed for easy integration with digital isolators (e.g., ADuM1401) or optocouplers. The board's layout separates analog and digital grounds, provides dedicated isolation barrier jumpers, and maintains clean signal routing - enabling straightforward implementation of isolated data paths as confirmed in Linear Technology Application Note 15948fb.